Polish Lemon Sandwich Tea Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for tea time or as a sweet addition to any gathering. These delicate cookies have a buttery texture and are filled with a tangy lemon filling that perfectly balances the sweetness. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, instructions, and tips for making the perfect Polish Lemon Sandwich Tea Cookies. Additionally, we’ll provide variations and address frequently asked questions to ensure you achieve the best results.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup superfine sugar
- 1 egg yolk, gently beaten, at room temperature
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
For the Filling:
- 4 cups powdered sugar, plus additional for garnish
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- Optional: 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and superfine sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg Yolk: Add the gently beaten egg yolk to the butter and sugar mixture, and mix until fully incorporated.
- Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Mix in Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Chill: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out and cut.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut Cookies: Use a round cookie cutter (about 2 inches in diameter) to cut out the cookies. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Filling
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Add the lemon juice and lemon zest, and beat until the mixture is creamy. If the filling is too thick, add the optional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 6: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
- Fill Cookies: Spread a small amount of lemon filling on the bottom side of one cookie, then place another cookie on top to form a sandwich.
- Repeat: Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Dust the assembled sandwich cookies with additional powdered sugar, if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Polish Lemon Sandwich Tea Cookies with your favorite tea or coffee. Enjoy!
Cooking Notes and Variations
Cooking Notes
- Chilling Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Superfine Sugar: If you don’t have superfine sugar, you can process granulated sugar in a food processor until finely ground.
Variations
- Vanilla Lemon Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cookie dough for a hint of vanilla flavor.
- Citrus Medley: Substitute part of the lemon zest and juice with orange or lime for a citrus medley flavor.
- Jam-Filled Cookies: Instead of lemon filling, use your favorite jam to fill the cookies for a different twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use regular sugar instead of superfine sugar?
A: Yes, you can use regular granulated sugar, but superfine sugar blends more easily with the butter, resulting in a smoother dough.
Q2: How do I store the cookies?
A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
Q3: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and cutting.
Q4: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the lemon filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before using.
Q5: What can I serve with these cookies?
A: These cookies pair well with a variety of teas, coffees, or even a glass of cold milk.
Polish Lemon Sandwich Tea Cookies are a delightful and elegant treat, perfect for any tea party or gathering. With their buttery texture and tangy lemon filling, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Follow these simple steps and tips to create delicious and beautiful cookies that everyone will love. Enjoy these delicate cookies with your favorite tea or coffee for a perfect treat!
